Christmas Party Hop

You could have a snooze fest with the same ol' holiday entertainment (excluding the uncle's nose-harmonica rendition of "Silent Night"...that NEVER gets old), or you could turn it up a notch with WaterTower Theater's Rockin' Christmas Party, a song-and-dance journey that showcases some of the musical highlights from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Yes, there will be Christmas oldies-but-goodies, but there's plenty of contemporary craziness to be had with a story line that centers on Santa Claus granting his believers their dreamiest showbiz wishes. Just because you personally long for a duet with Neil Diamond doesn't mean that's what you can expect from the cast of characters—they're belting out cool pop and R&B hits a-plenty. The show turns traditional holiday entertainment on its ear with wacky costumes, colorful sets, a whirlwind of action and, after a three-year respite, Rockin' Christmas Party is bolder than shows of Christmases past. Thank goodness because we just can't take another season of seriousness—unless someone breaks out the washboard or spoons. See it at WaterTower Theater through December 23. Tickets are $20 to $30. More details and showtimes at watertowertheatre.org.
Wed., Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 21, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 22, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 23, 2 p.m., 2007